Everything comes out in blues music: joy , pain , struggle . Blues is affirmation with absolute elegance. – Wynton Marsalis

Have you ever had a morning where you woke up feeling pretty good, no aches or pains, took a shower, had a cup of coffee and then remembered it was MONDAY!

Essential Oils to the rescue!
I have become quite proficient in my apothecary skills. That is because I test everything on myself(and family members) before I share it with you. Today was an excellent test. I am sure you will give me an A for my latest curation(I think that’s a real word).

So, I find myself in a blue funk, as I mentioned earlier but I had to work today. With people. Yes, smiling and communicating with words would be required so I had to figure something out. Or call in sick.
Nah, I like to save my sick time for real emergencies(like long weekend trips or something)!

Working with essential oils is always interesting because these plant chemicals have brains! It is in their nature to help and to heal. This is what The Creator intended.
I have named this blend:

The Blue Monday Special
6 drops Pettigrain-Calming, Stress Reducer, energizing
4 drops Roman Chamomile-Anti-anxiety, soothes feelings of anger, anti depressant
3 drops Ylang Ylang- Anti depressant, balances emotions, good for hypertension-also said to be an aphrodisiac, hmmm?

This diffuser blend had immediate effects. I forgot I was feeling “blue” in less than 5 minutes.
Ylang Ylang is powerful so if you are not familiar with its effects, run your diffuser no more than 20 minutes with this blend. I did 2 treatments for 20 minutes early morning and later this afternoon because I liked how it made me feel!
Ylang Ylang can be heady for sensitive types, although the blend itself is mild. It was sooo lovely and yummy feeling!

*Side note*
Interestingly enough, 2 of the 3 essential oils in this blend have linalool. This is called blending by chemical constituents. You will achieve the most effects from that particular chemical property. Linalool is known for its sedative effects.
It is a plant chemical(phytochemical) found in cannabis.

See I told you that you would give me an A!

It’s going to be a bright, bright sunshiney day!

What a great day to start anew!
What day is it? Any day that you can open your eyes, breathe and manage to make a cup of coffee or tea successfully!
After that step you should have everything in hand! Just kidding, of course there is more to your day than that. However, I have found if I awake early enough that I have time to take my warm cup to the beach for a walk, I have an even better week!

Starting your work week with a morning of quiet meditation or writing in your journal and staring out at the ocean or the sky or the trees or skyline with sun on your skin is good medicine.

Most people are not able to take this time every morning as we are all so busy. However, making a plan for your week like this is like setting your sails for a good journey. The quiet, the sun, it will do you good.

Can’t get out of the house?
1st-Find a window with the sun peeking in.
2nd- Place a few drops of Grapefruit or Wild Orange essential oils in your hands, cup over your nose and mouth and inhale deeply. Exhale through your mouth. Do this 3 times and then…
3rd- Sit there and think about how you would like your day, your week to go and seal it with thanksgiving and gratitude.
Physiologically, you have communicated to your body and brain that all is well.

This is a great start for any day, don’t you think?
Let me know how it goes!

Free your mind!

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5

The other day, I sat listening to an inspirational speaker in my quiet time, which usually helps me to get my creative juices flowing for writing.

It has been a busy week, with everything from bills to personal commitments-due today!
I was not feeling very inspired.

Then the speaker began to share a personal story of how his father had died at 48 years old. The speaker described how his own life had been held in the balance because in his mind, he believed that he would suffer the same fate. It was not until he had reached 49 years old that he was able to truly dream and go after the desires of his heart.

How many of us suffer from this mental malady?

Sometimes the bad experiences that we had growing up or words that were spoken over us as children can still cling to us today. We may have buried them deep within our psyche but deep down is alive in our subconscious. We may not even realize why we do the things we do or why we might sabotage our good. However the catalyst may be something from long ago, hiding in our hearts.

The Prayer of Reflection is a type of prayer that allows us to see these things (through the help of the Holy Spirit) and consider them as they pertain to our daily lives or future goals.

St. Ignatius called this the Examen prayer. Ignatius was a Jesuit priest and he developed spiritual disciplines to assist his priests and other followers, to grow in understanding of the things of God and to discern His presence in their lives.

Do not be afraid to reflect. Rest in God and the protection of His holy will.

You may find treasures that only you can provide which may help shape the world!
The world desperately needs some shaping up. Wouldn’t you agree?

As always, seeking to help you discover Beauty, from the inside out!

Forgot about J?

Lately, I have been focused on Beauty ‘outside’ , skin care, cosmetics, etc. It is all about healthy skin and toned bodies at this time of year. The summer season is underway! You can’t help but think about looking good at the beach, on picnics or just laying out at the pool!
However, I would be remiss to leave out the main ingredient, the One factor that makes Beauty possible- Christ in you!
I was in my prayer closet the other day and I got a little nudge in the spirit-“Isn’t your byline-Proclaiming Good News through Beauty”? So what about Beauty Inside?

So what about it?

Prayer is the key. We have so much on our minds these days, like what to wear, where to go this weekend, what to eat, what Not to eat, how many vacation days do I have left,…the list goes on.
Just under the surface we may begin to feel a little antsy or we are on edge and we can’t figure out why.
I am reminded of a lyric from “Forgot About Dre” by Dr. Dre-

Nowadays, everybody wanna talk like they got somethin to say.
But nothing comes out when they move their lips.
Just a bunch of gibberish.
*You look at their life and they forgot about J.
*my artistic license

Prayer is our opportunity to get the latest downloads on what is really happening in our lives and the world around us. That edgy feeling, feeling overwhelmed or confused, it could be the Holy Spirit telling you to stop by for a chat.
Peace is His specialty.

Be Blessed!

Sippin’ my tea……

Rules for Living

The Japanese previously held the #1 spot on the World Health Statistics for life expectancy until giving way to the French in 2015.
Just from casual observation, one would regard the Japanese woman as typically slender and healthy. What’s their secret?

Tea has been a mainstay in Japanese society since ancient times. According to history, Japan was introduced to Tea by the Buddhist monks returning from China around the 9th century. Tea became a drink of the priestly classes.
A few centuries later, Tea had become a religion itself, especially in terms of the Tea ceremony, a ritual which remains to this day. It is now the preferred beverage in Japan.

So what is my point?

Green Tea appears to be the miracle beverage of health and longevity.
Traditional Medicine and alternative health professionals rave about it. Most see Green Tea consumption as the answer to many modern illnesses and a key to prevention. It is full of antioxidants-cancer killing substances that protect the cells from damage and-Wait For It— Aging!

In terms of weight loss, Green Tea has properties that impact metabolism and fat loss via the nervous system.

France was a pioneer in the coffee trade and considered a coffee culture. However over the years, the French have become more health conscious along with their “joie de vivre” which has translated into an affinity for the life giving properties of tea.
Hmmm, drinking water and drinking Green Tea. Pretty simple.

We shall see…

Retrieved from:
https://authoritynutrition.com/green-tea-and-weight-loss/

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26962095

“The only person who can pull me down is myself, and I’m not going to let myself pull me down anymore.” C. JoyBell C.

Ashley Graham’s cover on Sports Illustrated is a huge success for the plus size and body positive community. Her voluptuous presentation for the venerated swimsuit edition may have sexist overtones but it is a healthier view for all to see.

As a distributor with It Works Global, I have seen firsthand how a negative self-image can ruin personal development and fitness goals. When women see images in the media that portray them as sex objects or props its bad enough. What is worse is having these images become so ingrained that it is sometimes an uphill battle for women to make positive changes because they feel they will never look like the Maxim babes!

However, once women see their beauty improving from the inside- out through science and nutrition, they begin to appreciate the beauty that God has already blessed them with! They are eager to make the most of their endowments. A desire for change is all it takes!

After 15 years in the beauty industry as a makeup artist, it is so rewarding to help women restore their self -esteem in a lasting way. I hope you will consider checking it out!
http://www.prettybodysfl.com

When you are able to see yourself in the mirror first thing in the morning and feel good about what you see…..It is life changing!

When I was around 18, I looked in the mirror and said, ‘You’re either going to love yourself or hate yourself.’ And I decided to love myself. That changed a lot of things.
Queen Latifah

More Than Enough!

“You have nothing to prove”.

Someone said this to me the other day. We were having a great conversation, discussing our business successes this quarter. I was sharing about my beauty events and the feedback from customers, etc. I was excited to share how well things were going, but this was not the response I had anticipated. The nerve of this guy!

Later, while watching NBA All Star Saturday, my mother calls and says she has a word for me. In the middle of the Slam Dunk Contest (why did I answer the phone)? Well, okay, there is always replay.
She says, “You are more than enough”. That was it.

It got me to thinking.

The voice in my heart gave me 2 Corinthians 12:9:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Well what do you know, is it possible I am trying too hard? Is it possible I am striving in my work, trying to cover fear and uncertainty? It’s not about me.

His grace is sufficient for us!

You make me feel brand new!

Restoration
: the act or process of returning something to its original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc.
: the act of bringing back something that existed before
: the act of returning something that was stolen or taken

We are in a state of renewal. Fasting forces the body to use stores of glucose (sugar), fats, and it also breaks down white blood cells. This decrease in white blood cells causes changes that trigger stem cell based regeneration of new immune system cells (UCS News 2014).

What does this mean for us?
It means when we fasted, we effectively set our bodies to begin rebuilding our entire system! Beauty inside out!
With this restoration process in mind, it occurred to me that this is a great time to re-evaluate my diet and lifestyle.

What are your health objectives this year?
Lose weight?
Correct High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol or other imbalance?
Stop smoking?

What about mental health objectives?
Do you enjoy your current social circle?
Are the people in your network positive or negative?
What would you like to change?

I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.

Joel 2:25-26

Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul. Saint Augustine

Purification in process!

There are so many benefits to fasting; however, I feel I should mention some of the unexpected responses in our body. Some may notice a tendency to emotional sensitivity, like crying over a McDonald’s commercial, or being uncharacteristically short-tempered. Our bodies are removing toxins, which can unleash emotions that were previously masked due to medication or other vices that tend to cover our true feelings. This is why many fasting aficionados suggest being very careful with yourself during a fast. Take it easy. Spend time journaling, or music and meditation are helpful activities as your body renews itself.

What about the effect of fasting on the outside?

Fasting tends to weight loss, pretty quickly. It is a smart idea to care for your skin during this time, to avoid slack or sagging skin. However, be sure to avoid over the counter lotions and creams. As cosmetics tend to have chemicals, you do not want to defeat the purpose of cleansing by adding junk through your skin. The skin is the largest organ in our body. It is best to use coconut or olive oil to moisturize. It is also a great way to add healthy fats to our body. Fats = plump skin=smooth and wrinkle free.

A fantastic DIY recipe to assist with the sensitive emotions and moisturization is a Honey and Vanilla Bubble Soak!
This is a fantastic treat for Beauty inside and out!
Olive and Almond Oils have anti-aging benefits. These oils help firm and strengthen skin.
Honey is an anti-bacterial and will help you avoid breakouts as you cleanse your body from the inside via fasting.
Vanilla has anti-aging and healing properties.
Most of all, it makes you feel pretty!

Ingredients:
3/4 cup of Sweet Almond Oil or Olive Oil
1 tbsp. Vanilla Extract & 1 tbsp. Honey
1 cup of Mr. Bubble*Dye and Fragrance Free
Mix ingredients in a ceramic or glass bowl until you have a smooth paste.
Pour desired amount into running bathwater (1/4 cup)
Save remaining in glass jar or plastic container and refrigerate the rest!

Come Holy Spirit!

Before a young woman’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. Esther 2:12 NIV

This particular scripture has come to mind often during this fast time. Not until today, did I realize the significance of it.
We are at the start of 12 months in 2016. Oil of myrrh, among other things is used for purification and that is basically what fasting is about!
So what is the Holy Spirit saying? What plans or dreams do you have for this year?
I know I have quite a few and I use this fasting time annually to help me prepare or develop my plan for the goals I have. Many churches have a fasting time or Corporate Fast at this time, so many of you may be in some form of fasting or cleansing also. It is a time to listen to the voice inside as we set aside our pleasurable foods and treats or television, etc., so we can hear her.
Yes, I said her. It is Woman Crush Wednesday after all!
Now, don’t go calling me a heretic yet! Take a little word study with me 1st.

Pneumatology is a theological term, which is the doctrine concerning the Holy Spirit.
The Hebrew word רוח (ruach; “wind; spirit”) is one of the few words that is sometimes used as masculine, although it is mostly used as feminine.

In Aramaic also, the language generally considered to have been spoken by Jesus, the word is feminine. However, in Greek the word (pneuma) is neuter. There are biblical translations where the pronoun used for the Holy Spirit is masculine, in contradiction to the gender of the noun used for spirit in Hebrew and Aramaic.

Why did the Church Fathers decide to override and refer to the Holy Spirit as male? That is for another discussion.

I only provide this as a foundation for my particular view. So relax and keep reading! I am referring to the Holy Spirit as she because of her actions in us. The Holy Spirit comes alongside, comforts us. The knowledge brought forth by the Holy Spirit is intuitive and in that respect feminine. So I am not saying the Holy Spirit is gender female specifically, but that the energy or vibe, if I may, is female.

I believe, very strongly in my heart that The Lord wants women to honor and value their femininity. It is clear there is much confusion in this area in our society and amongst ourselves. Even the metaphysicians speak of this time as the age of the feminine. I digress.
Moreover, I believe this is in part, why I have been given this “ministry” of Beauty to share.

As to the scripture above, we are at the crown of the year. How will you use the information that you have received during this time?
Is this a time to review and continue what you started last year, culminating in the manifestation of that thing?

Or is it a time to let go of all the stuff you came up with on your own and truly hear what The Lord would have you do?

This purification time is to set you up for success in the entirety of the year!
What you will get out of this time of purification, however you designate to do it, is power for living out your dreams in 2016!

I realize I have kind of put myself out here but Thank God, I’m just a messenger.

Interesting Reading/Reference
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_of_the_Holy_Spirit
http://www.hezekiyahhaas.com/uploads/3/0/0/1/3001861/who_is_the_holy_spirit.pdf

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